DEA Agent Killed, 2 LEOs Wounded During Routine Train Inspection

Special Agent Michael Garbo of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was killed on October 4, 2021, during a routine sweep of an Amtrak train station in Tucson, Arizona. Two other law enforcement officers (LEO) were wounded: an unidentified DEA agent and police officer from Tucson City Police Department (TCPD). The conditions of the agent’s injuries remain critical, and the police officer is stable. All three officers are members of a regional joint task force with the DEA and TCPD.

The officers prepared for inspection of illegal contraband aboard the train when two individuals were in possession of marijuana. The officers were detaining the first individual when the second opened fire.

“This incident highlights how, for law enforcement, nothing is 'routine' and situations can turn violent in a moment’s notice,” stated Larry Cosme, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), “This tragedy also sheds light on the extreme dangers of drug trafficking and the high-risk work DEA agents engage in to limit the spread of violence across our communities.”

The gunman reportedly barricaded themself in a train bathroom in another car – they were later pronounced dead though it is unclear if it was by officer or suicide. The individual detained by officers before the gunfire remains in custody; it is unknown what charges they will face.

“This past week has been a reminder for all of us at the Department of Justice of the risks our deputies, agents and local law enforcement partners confront each day,” wrote Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement, “We are grateful for the courage and selfless sacrifice of these heroes, and I join the entire Justice Department in conveying our support and deepest sympathies to their families.”

The Attorney General’s remarks also touched upon the death of Deputy U.S. Marshal and Senior Inspector Jared Keyworth in Florence, Mississippi on September 28, 2021. The federal officer sustained severe injuries in a car accident while responding to a felony offender case.

In the first incident, no injuries were reported by crew or passengers, according to Amtrak.